Overview
Synopsis
Is a man master of his own destiny or merely a puppet of Fate, who pulls the strings while acting out stories written long before? This was the question asked thousands of years ago in Sophocles’ classic tragedy Oedipus Rex, and which has been masterfully recrafted by Luis Alfaro in Oedipus El Rey. The story is transferred from ancient Greece to downtown Los Angeles, the king of Thebes transformed into the top gangster in the barrio, and the masked chorus changed into prison inmates. At California State Prison, the prisoners come together to tell the story of Oedipus, a fellow inmate who tried to change his destiny. Before his birth, it was prophesied that Oedipus would someday kill his father, the violent gangster king Laius. Laius ordered his friend, Tiresias, to kill the infant after his wife, Jocasta, had given birth. Unable to do the heinous act, Tiresias instead raised Oedipus as his own, even from within the prison walls. Oedipus, who is ignorant of his true origins, is released from prison, cocky with youth and driven to create his own destiny. But is any man capable of outwitting his destiny, especially those born into communities where the odds are already against them? “He pulls the strings so tight, this God,” Jocasta laments, “how can we move when we’re trapped?”
Show Information
- Book
- Luis Alfaro
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- Oedipus Rex
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- First Produced
- 2010
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Contemporary, Simple/No Set
- Time & Place
- Los Angeles, California, Present day
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- Dramatists Play Service
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Ensemble Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult, Elderly Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Oedipus El Rey is a retelling of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex. In the classic tragedy, Oedipus, King of Thebes, learns that he has unwittingly fulfilled a prophecy made before his birth: that he would murder his father, Laius, and marry his own mother, Jocasta. Sophocles’ text focuses on Oedipus’ hunt for his Laius’ murderer and horror upon learning of his prophesied fate; Alfaro chose instead to follow Oedipus from the moment the prophecy was made, through Oedipus growing up, acting out the
to read the context for Oedipus El Rey and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Author’s note: all Spanish words that the author uses will be reflected in this synopsis. All quotes will italicize the Spanish words, as they are written in Alfaro’s script.
The stage for the story is set up. Chairs surround the space. Passing cars can be heard 一 cars driving through Kern County on Highway 99 en route to California State Prison. Oedipus enters, walking with a slight limp, the sign of a disability which hinders, but does not stop him. He leads the blind Tiresias onstage.
to read the plot for Oedipus El Rey and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Either Gender |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Spoken |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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